Big Freezes Like Those of 1873-74 Just Don't Come Along Any More

,,,Below zero temperatures, plenty of snow and ice plagues the area for weeks at the end of 1873 and early in 1874. The snow and ice were just right for sleighing and skating but much of the time it was too cold for any outdoor events and the community devoted most of its efforts to the task of trying to keep warm..... [second week of January thaw sets in; ice smashes barges; flood rushes past; warm weather helps]